The Public Security Police Force (PSP) arrested a Macao Customs Service officer on July 16 for repeatedly vandalising a private car between April and May, PSP spokesman Lei Chan Hong said during a regular press conference yesterday.
Lei said the suspect, who is in his 50s, is surnamed Hui.
According to Lei, the victim reported the case to police twice after finding his car damaged when returning to it in different parking spaces around the neighbourhood between April and May.
The car was found with scratches to its bodywork and all four tyres deflated. The victim estimated the total repair cost at about 6,000 patacas, with around 4,000 patacas incurred in the first incident and about 2,000 patacas in the second.
PSP officers identified Hui through the city’s CCTV footage and summoned him for questioning on July 16. However, he refused to answer any questions about the case, Lei said.
The footage did not directly show Hui damaging the vehicle, but showed him crouching or making other movements near the car, according to Lei.
The victim also suspected that the perpetrator was a neighbour but was unable to identify him, Lei said.
Lei said that as the Public Security Police Force suspect Hui of committing the crime of property damage under Article 206 of the Macao Penal Code, the case has since been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) for further investigation. Hui faces up to three years behind bars.
Meanwhile, the Macao Customs Service released a statement yesterday emphasising that its officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity, warning that any breaches of the law will face strict disciplinary proceedings and legal liability.
Public Security Police Force (PSP) spokesman Lei Chan Hong looks on during yesterday’s regular press conference. – MPD
